Discover the Many Sides of Jewellery at The Niche Showcase
While to most of us it may serve merely as wearable pieces of embellishment, jewellery can be as multi-faceted as a diamond — and nobody knows this better than the craftspeople of Thailand. After all, The Land of Smiles has long been home to some of the biggest jewellery trade fairs in Asia, not least of them the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair that is organized by Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce.
Returning for its 62nd edition this September, the biannual fair shines a spotlight on Thailand's unparalleled craftsmanship and all the gorgeous creations it has to offer, be it in the form of gold, silver, diamonds or other gems. For a taste of the unexpected, though, you should make your way to The Niche Showcase, which is the fair's channel for all things new in the world of jewellery. As its name suggests, the Niche Showcase is where you will find pieces specifically curated for an array of promising and fast-growing niche markets.
From forecasts of upcoming market trends to innovative designs that are redefining the industry, the Niche Showcase presents everything that a jewellery enthusiast would need to know to be on top of things. For a sneak peek of what's to come, here are the five key trends that this year's Niche Showcase will revolve around:
Weddings, anniversaries, auspicious events: these are what the accessories presented at The Moment are designed for. And there's no shortage of special occasions to celebrate in Asia, especially in countries like China and India where jewellery plays an even more significant role. Here, you will discover pieces that might one day make precious memorabilia or be passed down as heirlooms.
Looking Beyond Jewelry, this trend explores how precious stones and materials can be incorporated into decorative objects and lifestyle products such as lamps and bowls. When combined with elements made from precious stones, these everyday items are transformed into understated representations of refined taste.
For good luck charms that don't involve a rabbit's foot, you could check out the Spiritual Power trend. There, you will find a selection of pieces that are inspired by ancient beliefs and superstitions surrounding certain gemstones. Aside from being the perfect talismans to ward off misfortune, these pieces make for some pretty intriguing accessories too.
Presenting the cream of the crop of The Niche Showcase, the Heritage & Craftsmanship trend is proof that Thailand's savoir-faire is as yet unmatched. Details are everything in these contemporary pieces, which have been expertly created by local master craftsmen armed with superior techniques and time-honoured jewellery traditions. It's no wonder that this trend is the focal point of the entire showcase.
For a more hands-on experience, the Niche Showcase will also feature jewellery-making workshops held by the craftsmen of the Thai Goldsmith Association. There, you can expect demonstrations of techniques such as invisible setting, gemstone cutting and carving, as well as the interpretation of the Samurai sword making in the Thai-style metal forming.
The Niche Showcase exhibition will be held at the 62nd Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair at Impact, Muang Thong Thani at the following dates: 7 to 9 September (Trade), 10am to 6pm; 10 September (Public), 10am to 6pm; and 11 September (Public), 10am to 5pm.
For more information, visit the fair's official website at www.bkkgems.com.